Pastry House Hippo: Novi, Michigan

You may have noticed my love of baked goods. If you haven't, you must be new here-welcome! I don't often splurge on bakery baked goods. I make my own or, if I'm in a hurry, I grab something from the grocery store. Last week, though, I was making a trip into Novi to support a fellow 3-Day walker who was having a fundraiser and it gave me a perfect excuse to visit my favorite Asian grocery store (One World Market). While I was in town, I wanted to try an Asian bakery as well. After a quick internet search, I found Pastry House Hippo, which happens to be located across the street from the grocery.

This place was great! As soon as you enter this tiny shop, you grab a tray and a pair of tongs. Then all you have to do is pick out your pastries. I had my sons with me and the four-year old had quite a time making up his mind. You see, one of the highlights of this bakery is their adorable little animal rolls called an pan. They are exquisitely detailed and fun. They are also filled with chocolate cream, strawberry jam or sweet bean paste. You can see the ones we picked out in the pictures. I also had some raisin-filled melon bread. Everything was delicious! The next time I go, I'm going to try some of the savory combinations. I also hope I can get there around lunch time for a steamed pork bun. I read some reviews complaining that the items were pricey, but for the work involved I had no problem paying the $1.50-$2.00 each bun cost. More than a doughnut, sure, but doughnuts don't take this level of artistic endeavour.

If you're going to head over, here's a couple tips. First, they are located off Grand River in the same strip mall as the Library Pub and Anjishin Noodle House. Second, they only take plastic on orders over $10, so make sure you have some cash on you. Lastly, they have a website but it's in Japanese, so unless you're fluent, it's not incredibly helpful. I highly recommend Pastry House Hippo. Grab some sushi across the street at One World Market and some dessert over here and you're set!